Climate Action Plan

The current Climate Crisis is a global emergency and it is important to respond as such. Located in Arizona, we face increased climate vulnerabilities such as water scarcity, extreme heat waves, wildfires, and public health issues. As an institutional leader, NAU is responding to this global issue with a focus on adaptability, innovation, and stewardship.

We are in the initial stages of our climate action planning process and we want to make sure we are reflecting the needs of our campus. We are focusing on community engagement in the Fall 2019 to ensure that we create a plan that reflects our current needs from our greater campus community. So please do get involved! You are helping to shape the future of NAU’s sustainability legacy!

What is a Climate Action Plan (CAP)?

A Climate Action Plan serves as a strategic document that helps guide a community towards a common stewardship goal. A majority of university Climate Action Plans focus on lessening consumption, carbon footprint, and creating a more sustainable institution. NAU is a leader in higher education for sustainability and a founding signee of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) and the Second Nature Carbon Pledge in 2007.

Why do we need a CAP?

Similar to a campus Master Plan, a Climate Action Plan can inform discretionary decision-making regarding the strategic direction of the university. As sustainability-related and environmental science degree programs continue to grow in relevance and demand across the nation, and at NAU in particular, it is a strategic development to institute a Climate Action Plan to reach university and community goals (i.e. carbon neutrality, stewardship, student job skills, etc.) It is essential for the campus community to have a guiding road-map for a sustainable future to help further the Living Laboratory ideal, which is a concept to define how research, campus needs and student learning can come together to foster an active learning community.

It is a campus wide effort that extends into the greater Flagstaff and Northern Arizona community. Join us!

We are in the Campus Engagement and Involvement Phase of the planning process. So please don't miss the opportunity to share your comments, ideas, and feedback on NAU Climate Action. They are all incredibly valuable to this effort and the future of NAU's Climate Action.

Northern Arizona University (NAU), alongside partners from around the state, will host this two-day summit. Located in the City of Flagstaff and near the neighboring Navajo and Hopi Nations on the Colorado Plateau, NAU is recognized nationally and internationally for its research on ecosystem responses to climate change, from drylands to the Arctic, and on health equity, including the impacts of climate change on the health of vulnerable communities.

The Navajo Nation has demonstrated state and regional leadership in renewable energy. And in 2018, the City of Flagstaff passed and is implementing an ambitious and forward-looking Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, establishing a model for proactive and community-informed urban decision-making around climate change.

This nexus of leadership and commitment to addressing the climate change challenge make NAU and Flagstaff a vibrant host location—a model of both regional partnerships and cutting-edge research.